A company’s board must be convinced that a new employee is a good match for the company before they are able to approve the hiring. That’s why an interview is an essential part of the process.
Board members are interested in hearing candidates talk about their relevant skills and experience that allow them to be ideal for the position with a focus on the value they provide. Often, the interviewers will ask questions to assess the ability of the candidate to comprehend the complicated and sometimes difficult issues that may arise as a board member.
They’ll also want an understanding of how the candidate will handle conflict and how he or she can effectively engage other board members with respect. It’s also common for boards to inquire of the candidate how they would handle specific topics such as shareholder engagement as well as potential conflicts of interests and the necessity of ensuring that the company is operating in a moral and ethical manner.
Companies often provide candidates with a set of materials to read before the interview. It’s more than a quick glance to gain a deeper understanding of the company, its current board of directors and C-suite executives, industry dynamics, and key risks. Deb DeHaas is a two-time board member of a public company and chief executive officer of the Corporate Leadership Center. She says that listening to CEOs’ conversations with investors and analysts is the best method of preparing. She adds that it is crucial for a candidate to be able explain the reasons why the company, its product or challenges are intriguing to them and how their experiences could help them solve those problems.
